Zayed Humanitarian Day: Founding Father's legacy lives on as UAE makes a difference worldwide
18 Mar 2025 02:37
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)From alleviating the suffering of underprivileged families across the globe to supporting Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the UAE stands committed to honouring the humanitarian legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.Zayed Humanitarian Day, observed on the 19th of Ramadan every year, captures how the country has been creating hope among vulnerable populations across the globe.The Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation - established pursuant to Law No. (5) of 1992 by the late Sheikh Zayed -continues to make a difference.The foundation has played a pivotal role in easing the plight of underprivileged families, particularly those in least developed countries.Its contributions span across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, reflecting Sheikh Zayed's vision of global solidarity.The foundation has contributed Dh5 million in support of the "UAE Stands with Lebanon" campaign, providing financial and in-kind aid to those affected by crises.
Helping the Vulnerable During the 20th anniversary of Sheikh Zayed's passing in 2024, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed the launch of the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy and allocated Dh20 billion to support humanitarian work in the world's most vulnerable communities.In December 2024, the UAE contributed $828 million to help the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. During that time, the country already topped the list of nations that contributed to relief efforts in Gaza between October 2023 and November 2024, according to The German Press Agency, which cited data from the Financial Tracking Service of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.The UAE has also played a major role in humanitarian and development efforts in Yemen, becoming the second-largest donor of humanitarian aid to the country globally, according to data released by the UN Financial Tracking Service (FTS).In response to the humanitarian crisis in Libya following Storm Daniel, the UAE launched an air bridge, delivering 622 tonnes of humanitarian and relief aid over 11 days, benefitting 6,386 families, following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.As of mid-2024, the UAE has provided over Dh360 billion (about $98 billion) in foreign aid since its establishment in 1971.
Honouring HeroesThe legacy of Sheikh Zayed's humanitarian vision continues to inspire contemporary initiatives. In recognition of the Founding Father's commitment to environmental sustainability, the Zayed International Prize for the Environment was established in 1999.This prestigious award honours individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
These efforts reflect Sheikh Zayed's enduring humanitarian vision and the UAE's commitment to global solidarity.
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